New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is overseeing a significant squad reconstruction following the dismissal of Arne Slot, who had won the 2024/25 Premier League title. The Spanish manager inherits a roster that has been largely dismantled over the past year, facing the challenge of replacing five members of the starting XI that won the title 15 months ago: Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson.
Right Wing Priority and the Ngumoha Option
The most urgent vacancy in Iraola’s squad is on the right wing, a position held by Mohamed Salah for nine years.
While Liverpool hierarchy has pursued PSG forward Bradley Barcola, the European champions reportedly value the winger in excess of £125 million. Currently, Iraola’s options for the right wing include Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Jeremie Frimpong, and 16-year-old Josh Abe. However, Frimpong is the only right back in the squad and is expected to play there during early friendlies against Wrexham, Sunderland, and Leeds.
Amidst these search efforts, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha has volunteered to play on the right flank. In an interview for liverpoolfc.com, Ngumoha stated, Yeah, definitely. I think being unpredictable off both sides is key
, adding that while he is known for playing on the left, he feels he is improving on the right. Internal discussions at the club have already floated the idea of deploying the teenager on the right, the same side he occupied for his senior England debut against New Zealand in June.
A Deep Squad Transition
The current rebuild follows a period of heavy spending last summer, where the club spent over £400 million and broke its record transfer fee twice to add eight players. Despite this, the departures of Alexander-Arnold and Diaz—who combined for 75 starts in the title-winning campaign—have not yet been resolved.
Additional departures include Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, Jarrel Quansah, and Caoimhin Kelleher, with Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones potentially leaving this summer. During initial talks, owners FSG warned Iraola that everything is not perfect
and that he would face some challenges
.
Iraola’s Philosophy and Management Gamble
Iraola’s appointment is viewed as a significant gamble by sportinglife.com, noting that he has never managed a club expected to challenge for major honours or balanced domestic and European competitions. His managerial CV lacks significant silverware outside of the Cypriot Super Cup, contrasting with predecessors like Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
The 44-year-old manager, who spent over a decade as a player at Athletic Bilbao, emphasizes a team first
identity. In a recent interview in Chicago, Iraola explained that his approach is rooted in a sense of collectiveness from the Basque Country, stating, I see a lot of things (similar to Liverpool). This sense of belonging, of being a little bit different. This connection, also, with players from the academy
.
Pre-Season Performance and Outlook
Liverpool is currently based in Chicago for a US pre-season tour. Early results have been inconsistent, with the team losing to Monaco and Leeds after twice throwing away two-goal leads. Iraola is tasked with implementing an aggressive, high-intensity style of play, though analysts suggest such systems often take time to click. As the 2026/27 season approaches, the club remains in a period of transition that is described as one of the deepest in a long time.
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